U.S. patent number 6,409,632 [Application Number 09/723,272] was granted by the patent office on 2002-06-25 for compact elliptical exercise machine.
Invention is credited to Paul William Eschenbach.
United States Patent |
6,409,632 |
Eschenbach |
June 25, 2002 |
Compact elliptical exercise machine
Abstract
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus
that simulates walking, jogging and climbing with arm exercise.
More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise
machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm
exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Elliptical
trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve
to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Existing
elliptical trainers consume excessive floorspace having shrouds at
one or both ends. The present invention is an improved elliptical
exercise machine capable of extended exercise with a long stride
comparable to existing cross trainers. A shroud which also serves
as a step platform is located under the pedals containing the
crank, pedal guidance linkage and load resistance. Further, the
elliptical trainer is more compact with a smaller footprint to
conserve floor space. Handles are connected to the pedals for
coordinated arm exercise.
Inventors: |
Eschenbach; Paul William
(Moore, SC) |
Family
ID: |
46277152 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/723,272 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
478782 |
Jan 7, 2000 |
|
|
|
|
067261 |
Apr 27, 1998 |
6142915 |
|
|
|
711087 |
Sep 9, 1996 |
5788610 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52;
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
22/001 (20130101); A63B 22/0015 (20130101); A63B
22/0023 (20130101); A63B 22/0664 (20130101); A63B
2022/002 (20130101); A63B 2022/067 (20130101); A63B
2022/0676 (20130101); A63B 2022/0682 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
23/04 (20060101); A63B 23/035 (20060101); A63B
069/16 (); A63B 022/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;482/51,52,53,57,70,79,80 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Crow; Stephen R.
Parent Case Text
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No.
09/478,782 filed Jan. 7, 2000 which is a Contination-in-Part of
Ser. No. 09/067,261 filed Apr. 27, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,915
which is a Continuation-in-Part of 08/711,087 filed Sep. 9, 1996
U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,610.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise machine comprising:
a framework, said framework configured to be supported by the
floor;
a pair of foot support members, each having a first portion, a
second portion and a foot engaging pedal;
a crank, said crank rotatably attached to said framework projecting
outwardly therefrom on both sides thereof;
a pair of guides, each guide operably associated with said first
portion of said foot support member to cause said first portion of
said foot support member to have generally back and forth
movement;
a pair of linkages, each said linkage positioned below said foot
support member and operably associated with said crank to cause
said second portion of said foot support member to have generally
up and down movement;
said linkages including a coupler link, said coupler link pivotally
connected to said crank and, a lifter link, said lifter link
pivotally connected to said second portion of said foot support
member and pivotally connected to said coupler link;
said pedal configured to move relative to said framework when the
foot of the user is rotating said crank whereby said pedal follows
an elongate curve path.
2. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein said elongate
curve path is generally elliptical in shape.
3. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein each said
linkage includes a rocker link, said rocker link pivotally
connected to said coupler link and pivotally connected to said
framework proximate said floor.
4. The exercise machine according to claim 3 wherein said rocker
link is pivotally connected to said first portion of said foot
support member to guide said first portion of said foot support
member with generally back and forth movement.
5. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein said guide
comprises a roller, said roller pivotally attached to said first
portion of said foot support member and, a track, said track
attached to said framework and in rollable contact with said roller
to guide said first portion of said foot support member with
generally back and forth movement.
6. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein said guide
comprises an extension link, said extension link pivotally
connected to said first portion of said foot support member and
pivotally connected to said framework to guide said first portion
of said foot support member with generally back and forth
movement.
7. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a
means for arm exercise, said means for arm exercise operably
associated with said pedal motion.
8. The exercise machine according to claim 7 wherein said means for
arm exercise comprises a pair of handles, each said handle
pivotally connected to said framework and a pair of connector
links, each said connector link operably associated with said
handle and said foot support member.
9. The exercise machine according to claim 6 further comprising a
pair of handles, each said handle pivotally connected to said
framework and operably associated with said extension link for arm
exercise.
10. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a
flywheel, said flywheel rotatably connected to said framework and
operably associated with said crank.
11. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a
load resistance, said load resistance operably associated with said
crank, a means for adjustment of said load resistance and, a
control system, said control system positioned within reach of the
operator whereby said load resistance can be varied during
operation of said exercise machine.
12. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein said pedal is
positioned on said second portion of said foot support member to
cause a portion of said pedal to follow an elliptical curve.
13. The exercise machine according to claim 10 wherein said load
resistance is an alternator, said alternator attached to said
framework below said foot support member.
14. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising an
actuator, said actuator operably associated with said guide to
change said pedal motion and, a control system, said control system
associated with said actuator to change said pedal motion during
operation of said exercise machine.
15. The exercise machine according to claim 3 further comprising a
pair of control links, each control link pivotally connected to
said rocker link and said lifter link.
16. An exercise machine comprising:
a framework, said framework configured to be supported by the
floor;
a pair of foot support members, each having a first portion, a
second portion and a foot engaging pedal;
a crank, said crank rotatably attached to said framework projecting
outwardly therefrom on both sides thereof;
a pair of rocker links, each said rocker link pivotally connected
to said framework proximate said floor;
a pair of coupler links, each coupler link operably associated with
said crank and said rocker link to cause said rocker link to
oscillate back and forth;
a pair of lifter links, each lifter link operably associated with
said coupler link and pivotally connected to said second portion of
said foot support member to cause said second portion to have
generally up and down movement;
a pair of guides, each guide operably associated with said first
portion of said foot support member to cause said first portion of
said foot support member to have generally back and forth
movement;
said pedal configured to move relative to said framework when the
foot of the user is rotating said crank whereby said pedal follows
an elongate curve positioned above said crank.
17. The exercise machine according to claim 16 further comprising a
pair of control links, each control link pivotally connected to
said rocker link and said lifter link.
18. The exercise machine according to claim 16 further comprising a
means for arm exercise, said means for arm exercise operably
associated with said exercise machine.
19. The exercise machine according to claim 16 further comprising
an actuator, said actuator operably associated with said guide to
change said pedal motion and, a control system, said control system
associated with said actuator to change said pedal motion during
operation of said exercise machine.
20. An exercise machine comprising:
a framework, said framework configured to be supported by the
floor;
a pair of foot support members, each having a first portion, a
second portion and a foot engaging pedal;
a crank, said crank rotatably attached to said framework projecting
outwardly therefrom on both sides thereof;
a pair of guides, each guide operably associated with said first
portion of said foot support member to cause said first portion of
said foot support member to have generally back and forth
movement;
a pair of rocker links, each said rocker link pivotally connected
to said framework proximate said floor;
a pair of coupler links, each coupler link operably associated with
said crank and said rocker link to cause said rocker link to
oscillate back and forth;
a pair of lifter links, each lifter link operably associated with
said crank and pivotally connected to said second portion of said
foot support member to cause said second portion to have generally
up and down movement;
a means for arm exercise, said means for arm exercise operably
associated with said framework and coordinated with said pedal
movement;
said pedal configured to move relative to said framework when the
foot of the user is rotating said crank whereby said pedal follows
an elongate curve.
21. The exercise machine according to claim 20 wherein said means
for arm exercise comprises a pair of handles, each said handle
pivotally connected to said framework and operably associated with
said foot support member.
22. The exercise machine according to claim 20 further comprising a
load resistance, said load resistance operably associated with said
crank, a means for adjustment of said load resistance and, a
control system, said control system positioned within reach of the
operator whereby said load resistance can be varied during
operation of said exercise machine.
23. The exercise machine according to claim 20 further comprising
an actuator, said actuator operably associated with said guide to
change said pedal motion and, a control system, said control system
associated with said actuator to change said pedal motion during
operation of said exercise machine.
24. The exercise machine according to claim 16 further comprising a
shroud, said shroud positioned below said foot support members to
enclose said crank and said coupler links.
25. The exercise machine according to claim 20 wherein said guide
comprises a roller, said roller pivotally attached to said first
portion of said foot support member and, a track, said track
attached to said framework and in rollable contact with said roller
to guide said first portion of said foot support member with
generally back and forth movement.
26. The exercise machine according to claim 20 wherein said guide
comprises an extension link, said extension link pivotally
connected to said first portion of said foot support member and
pivotally connected to said framework to guide said first portion
of said foot support member with generally back and forth
movement.
27. The exercise machine according to claim 20 further comprising a
pair of control links, each control link pivotally connected to
said rocker link and said lifter link.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that
simulates walking, jogging and climbing with arm exercise. More
particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine
having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise
coordinated with the motion of the feet.
2. State of the Art
The benefits of regular exercise to improve overall health,
appearance and longevity are well documented in the literature. For
exercise enthusiasts the search continues for safe apparatus that
provides full body exercise for maximum benefit in minimum
time.
Recently, a new category of exercise equipment has appeared on the
commercial market called elliptical cross trainers. These cross
trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve
to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Generally they are
large exercise machines using long cranks to generate a long foot
stride. There is a need for a more compact elliptical exercise
machine capable of a similar long stride using a linkage to modify
the crank.
Recently, there has been an effort to improve the up and down
motion of stair climbers by the addition of horizontal movements.
Habing in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,299,993 and 5,499,956 offers an
articulated linkage controlled through cables by motor to move
pedals through an ovate path. Both pedal pivots follow basically
the same guidance path curve directed by a motor controller.
Stearns in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,290,211 and 5,299,993 shows a stair
stepping exercise machine which incorporates horizontal movement
using a combination of vertical parallelogram linkage and
horizontal parallelogram linkage to guide the foot pedals. The
parallelogram linkages serve to maintain the pedal at a constant
angle relative to the floor during a pedal cycle. The pedal pivots
move through similar undefined guide paths. Eschenbach in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,279,529 shows several embodiments of elliptical pedal motion
configured to maintain the heel of the user on the pedal during a
substantial portion of the pedal cycle.
Standup pedal exercise is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,419 (Hyde)
and by Jarriel et al. In U.S. Pat. No. D330,236 where pedal
platforms move by dual crank motion but remain parallel to the
floor. Knudsen in U.S., Pat. No. 5,433,680 shows an elliptical path
generating mechanism with pedals having only one pivot allowing the
pedal to rotate unconstrained about the pivot as in a bicycle
crank.
Standup pedal exercise combined with arm levers attached to the
pedals is shown in Kummerlin et al. German Pat. No. 2,919,494 and
in Geschwender U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,050. Standup pedal exercise
coupled with oscillating swing arms is shown in Miller U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,242,343 and 5,383,829 and in Eschenbach U.S. Pat. No.
5,423,729. All of these exercise machines use pedals having two
pedal pivots which are guided by a first circular guide path curve
generated by a crank which rotates through one full revolution
during a pedal cycle and a second arc guide path curve generated by
a rocker link or track.
Recently, numerous elliptical exercise machines have appeared in
the patent literature. Rogers,Jr. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,527,246,
5,529,555, 5,540,637, 5,549,526, 5,573,480, 5,591,107, 5,593,371,
5,593,372, 5,595,553, 5,611,757, 5,637,058, 5,653,662 and 5,743,834
shows elliptical pedal motion by virtue of various reciprocating
members and geared linkage systems. Miller in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,518,473, 5,562,574, 5,611,756, 5,518,473, 5,562,574, 5,577,985,
5,755,642 and 5,788,609 also shows elliptical pedal motion using
reciprocating members and various linkage mechanisms along with
oscillating guide links with control links to determine pedal
angles. Ryan et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,833 shows an elliptical
cross trainer having a forward crank driving a pedal linkage
underneath the operator.
Chang in U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,872 and Yu et al. in U.S. Pat. No.
5,800,315 show a pedal supported by a rocker link and driven with a
pair of links located under the pedal pivotally connected to a
crank. Maresh et al. in U.S., Pat. No. 5,792,026 show a foot
support member supported by a rocker link and driven by a double
crank mechanism. Maresh in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,463 shows a foot
platform with parallel movement as the the foot platform follows an
oval path. Lee in U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,598 and Chen in U.S. Pat. No.
5,823,914 show a pedal link driven by two separate cranks. Lin et
al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,760 offers elliptical foot and hand
motion. Sands et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,643 shows elliptical foot
motion with folding front post.
Lee in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,683 shows a foot support member
supported on one end with a compound rocker wherein a slider and
handle lever support the rocker. Kuo in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,854
offers a linear foot support member connected on one end to a crank
and guided along an arcuate curve under the pedal by a linkage on
the other end. Wang et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,112 shows a foot
support member sliding on a pivot on one end and attached to a
crank on the other that can fold. Chen U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,917
shows a foot support member driven by a crank on one end and
supported by a stationary roller on the other. Chen U.S. Pat. No.
5,820,524 offers a slider crank mechanism having a pedal pivotally
attached with a control link to articulate the pedal angle.
Chen U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,779,599 and 5,762,588 shows an elliptical
pedal movement with a roller interface between the foot support
member and crank. Chen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,136 shows a foot
support member with a moving pedal for adjustable elliptical motion
wherein a link from the pedal to the crank can be repositioned to
change the pedal stroke length. Kuo U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,166 shows a
foot support member guided on one end by a roller and driven on the
other end by a four bar linkage. Stearns et al. in U.S. Pat. No.
5,848,954 offers a foot support member pivoted on one end with a
lift crank on the other and a pedal moving on the foot support
member to generate elliptical type foot motion.
There is a need for a compact pedal operated exercise machine that
can be safely operated in the standup position having a long pedal
stroke whereby the arms and legs can be exercised with the feet
moving through a generally elliptical movement.
It is one objective of this invention to provide an elliptical
pedal movement with a crank linkage that provides a compact and
simple exercise machine with a small footprint. Another object of
this invention is to contain the driving linkage under the pedals.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide arm exercise
that is coordinated with the pedal movement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the kinematic motion control of
pedals which simulate running, climbing and cycling. More
particularly, apparatus is provided that offers variable intensity
exercise through a leg operated cyclic motion in which the pedal
supporting each foot is guided through successive positions during
the motion cycle while a load resistance acts upon the
mechanism.
The pedals are guided through an oblong or elongate curve motion
while pedal angles vary during the pedal cycle to maintain the heel
of the foot generally in contact with the pedal. As the foot is
raised, the heel of the foot remains generally in contact with the
inclining pedal for safer operation. Arm exercise is by arm levers
coordinated with the mechanism guiding the foot pedals.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate
pedal for each foot, each pedal being extended by a foot support
member having a first portion and a second portion. A rotary crank
is attached to the framework under the foot support member
proximate the floor. The crank completes one full revolution during
a pedal cycle and is phased generally opposite the crank for the
other pedal through a crankshaft bearing housing attached to the
framework.
A rocker link is pivotally connected at one end to the framework
proximate the floor. A coupler link is connected to the crank at a
crank pivot and the rocker link is connected to the coupler link at
a rocker pivot positioned intermediate the ends to cause the rocker
link to oscillate back and forth as the crank turns. The other end
of the rocker link is pivotally connected to the first portion of
the foot support member to guide for back and forth movement.
A lifter link is pivotally connected to the coupler link and to the
second portion of the foot support member causing the second
portion to have an up and down movement as the crank turns. The
lifter link, rocker link and coupler link comprise a linkage that
supports the foot support member from underneath. The linkage
together with the crank and foot support member cause the pedal to
follow an elongate curve similar to an ellipse.
Arm exercise is provided with handles pivotally connected to the
framework. A connecting link is pivotally connected to each handle
and each foot support member to coordinate the arm movement with
the foot. When the foot is forward, the handle corresponding to
that foot is generally rearward. The connecting link could also be
connected to the pedal, rocker link or coupler link for similar
coordination.
A step surface is provided as part of the shroud to mount the
pedals from the rear or side. The shroud is close to the floor to
completely contain the load resistance, crank, coupler links and
lower portion of the rocker links. Slots provided on the step
surface allow the upper portion of the rocker links and lifter
links to protrude for support of each foot support member located
above the step surface.
In an alternate embodiment, the first portion of the foot support
member is is guided for back and forth movement by an extension of
the handle for arm exercise. The connecting link of the preferred
embodiment now becomes a control link pivotally connected to one
end of the rocker link and intermediate the lifter link. The lifter
link, control link, coupler link and rocker link becomes the
linkage that supports the second portion of the foot support
member.
In another alternate embodiment, the linkage comprising the lifter
link, control link, coupler link and rocker link of the alternate
embodiment support the second portion of the foot support member
from underneath. A roller has been added to the first portion of
the foot support member. A track guides the roller for back and
forth movement. An actuator can reposition the track to change the
pedal motion. A control system within easy reach of the operator
allows the actuator to be operative during operation of the
exercise machine to change pedal motion. Arm exercise is connected
to the foot support member similar to the preferred embodiment.
Load resistance is imposed upon the crank for each embodiment
through a first pulley attached to the crank which is engaged by
belt to second pulley supported by a jackshaft. A third pulley is
attached to the jackshaft to drive a flywheel and alternator. The
alternator can be varied during operation through a control system
within easy reach of the operator. Other forms of load resistance
such as friction discs, magnetic, air, friction belt, etc. may also
be used.
In summary, this invention provides the operator with stable foot
pedal support having motions that simulate running, climbing and
cycling with very low joint impact and upper body exercise in a
compact space having a small footprint. The linkage driven by the
pedals and load resistance are contained in a shroud positioned
close to the floor. The pedal stroke is considerably longer than
the crank stroke. Arm exercise is coordinated with the pedal
motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a right side elevation view of the preferred embodiment
of an exercise machine constructed in accordance with the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is the front view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1
and 2 below the foot support members;
FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternate embodiment showing only one
side of the exercise machine;
FIG. 5 is a side view of another alternate embodiment showing only
one side of the exercise machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings in detail, pedals 52 and 50 are shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 in the most forward and rearward positions of the
preferred embodiment. Pedals 50 and 52 are supported by foot
support members 20 and 22 which have first foot support pivots
23,25 in a first portion and second foot support pivots 26,24 in a
second portion, respectively. Pedals 50,52 are positioned in the
second portion of foot support members 20,22. Foot support pivots
23 and 25 are pivotally attached to rocker link guides 47 and 49
which are connected to frame members 70,72,74 at pivots 67,69
positioned close to the floor.
Cranks 54 and 56 are connected in opposing directions by crankshaft
journal 55 (not shown) which is rotatably secured to the frame
member 70 by bearing housing 38. Coupler links 30,32 are connected
to rocker links 47,49 at pivots 41,44 and to cranks 54,56 at pivots
43,45. Rotation of cranks 54,56 cause rocker links 47,49 to
oscillate back and forth.
Lifter links 62,64 are connected to the second portion of foot
support members 20,22 at pivots 26,24 and to coupler links 30,32 at
pivots 17,19. The pivots 17,19 can be located any where along the
length or width of coupler links 30,32 including any extensions
(not shown). Lifter links 62,64, rocker links 47,49 and coupler
links 30,32 form a linkage that acts with cranks 54,56 to control
the movement of foot support members 20,22.
Handles 66,68 are attached to crossover member 78 at pivots 61,63
for arm exercise. Handle extension links 92,94 are offset relative
to handles 66,68. Connector links 96,98 are connected to handle
extension links 92,94 by pivots 95,97 and to foot support members
20,22 at pivots 99,101.
Frame members 70, 72 and 74 are attached to crossover members 71,73
configured to be supported by the floor. Frame member 76 is
attached to frame members 70,71 and supports crossover member
78.
Flywheel 79 is rotatably supported at pivot 81 which is part of
alternator 36 attached to frame member 70. Belt 84 connects
flywheel 79 to pulley 86 which is supported by jackshaft 83 also
supported by frame member 70. Pulley 80 on jackshaft 83 is engaged
with belt 82 which is also engaged with pulley 42 attached to
cranks 54,56.
Shroud 57 with step surface 59 is supported by frame members
71,72,73,74 and contains cranks 54,56, coupler links 30,32, pulleys
42,80,86, flywheel 79 and alternator 36. Rocker links 47,49 and
lifter links 62,64 protrude upward through slots 51,53 to support
foot support members 20,22.
Control system 10 is attached to crossover member 78. Wires 9 are
connected to alternator wires 7 by conventional means not shown.
The switch 6 can be manually changed during operation by the
operator to vary load intensity imposed by alternator 36 or by
automatic program.
Application of body weight on the pedals 50,52 and force applied at
the arm levers 66,68 cause the flywheel 79 to rotate for a gain in
momentum while the pedals 50,52 follow the elongate pedal curve 2
shown in FIG. 1. The flywheel 79 momentum will carry the linkage
system through any dead center positions of the crank 54,56. The
pedals 50,52 and handles 66,68 can be operated to drive the
flywheel 79 in either direction of rotation.
An alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 with the pedal 50 in the
uppermost position. Only one side of the exercise machine is shown
for clarity. The first portion of the foot support member 20 is
connected to handle extension guide 92 at pivot 93 for back and
forth movement. Control link 16 is connected to rocker 47 at pivot
23 and to lifter link 18 at pivot 15. Lifter link 18 is connected
to coupler link 30 at pivot 17 and to the second portion of foot
support member 20 at pivot 26.
The linkage composed of lifter link 18, control link 16, rocker
link 47 and coupler link 30 guide the second portion of foot
support member 20 for up and down movement. Rotation of the crank
54 causes pedal 50 to follow elongate curve 3. Load resistance,
control system and shroud are similar to the preferred embodiment
but not shown for clarity. Frame members 76,78,71,72,73 are similar
to the preferred embodiment.
Another alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 with pedal 50 in a
nearly uppermost position. Only one side of the exercise machine is
shown for clarity. The linkage composed of lifter link 18, control
link 16, rocker link 47 and coupler link 30 guide the second
portion of foot support member 20 for up and down movement. Roller
8 is rollably attached to the first portion of foot support member
20 at pivot 93. Track 4 guides roller 8 for back and forth
movement. Track 4 is connected to frame member 76 at pivot 14.
Actuator 12 is connected to track 4 at pivot 13 and to frame member
76 at pivot 21. Control system 10 with wires 1 is connected to
actuator wires 11 by conventional wiring not shown. Control system
knob 27 can be adjusted by the operator or by program to activate
the actuator 12 to change pedal motion 5 during operation by moving
track 4. Load resistance and shroud are similar to the preferred
embodiment but not shown for clarity. Frame members 76,78,71,72,73
are similar to the preferred embodiment.
The present invention is an improvement over prior art cross
trainers because the foot support members 20,22 are positioned
above the linkage support and drive system. The footprint of the
present invention is approximately one-half the length of the
footprint of conventional cross trainers now on the market.
However, the pedal curves 2,3,5 are maintained approximately the
same length as the full size crosstrainers. This much smaller
footprint represents a huge space savings in fitness clubs or in
the home.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated by the claims, rather than by foregoing
description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their
scope.
* * * * *